The Patriotic Alliance has indicated its willingness to work with the Democratic Alliance in coalition governments, despite the party's leader, Gayton McKenzie, having repeatedly criticised the DA. This stance comes after the PA lost its founding Eldorado Park Ward 18 in Johannesburg to the DA. McKenzie stated that the PA's approach to coalitions would be guided by the needs of communities rather than personal animosity.
McKenzie expressed his indifference to the DA, stating that while he despises them, the party will work with them if it is in the best interest of the community. He emphasised that the decision to work with other parties would be made by the PA's leadership. The party's deputy president, Kenny Kunene, echoed McKenzie's position, saying that the PA would enter negotiations with any other political party if the electoral outcome required it.
Kunene was critical of DA Joburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille, accusing her of prioritising wealthy communities over poor and black residents. However, he also stated that despite his personal dislike for Zille, the party would respect the mandate of the voter and work with the DA if necessary. The PA's willingness to work with the DA comes as the party showed 2% of voter support nationwide and 1% of support in Gauteng.
The PA's loss of Eldorado Park Ward 18 to the DA was a significant blow, but McKenzie stated that the party accepted the democratic outcome and would continue to serve the community despite losing electoral support there. He expressed his disappointment with the result but congratulated the new DA councillors, saying that the people of Eldorado Park had made a choice as democrats in a democratic country.
McKenzie pointed to the PA's gains elsewhere, including in Soweto and George, where the party took wards from the DA. In George, the PA won seven wards, taking its total seat count to 150. This represents a significant increase from the 2021 elections, with McKenzie stating that the party had achieved 49% support in some areas.
The PA's shift in stance towards coalition governments reflects the party's pragmatic approach to politics. By working with other parties, the PA aims to deliver on its promises to voters and address the needs of communities. This approach may also be seen as a strategic move to increase the party's influence and presence in local governments.
As the PA continues to navigate the complexities of coalition governments, its relationship with the DA will be closely watched. The party's willingness to work with its critics may be seen as a sign of maturity and a commitment to putting the needs of communities first. The PA's performance in future elections will likely depend on its ability to build effective coalitions and deliver on its promises to voters.
Key points
- The Patriotic Alliance is willing to work with the Democratic Alliance in coalition governments despite criticism from party leader Gayton McKenzie.
